To pull something quickly and forcefully with a sudden jerk.
Origin uncertain, possibly American slang from the 1800s. May be related to 'yank' meaning to pull, or possibly onomatopoetic in nature. Became especially associated with American identity (Yankee/Yank = American).
Yank is such an American word that Americans are called Yankees or Yanks—it captures something about American vigor and pulling-it-off attitude. The word itself sounds sharp and forceful, like the action it describes.
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